This isn't new information for most of us who love music and took lessons in school, but it's nice to have an experimental study from Germany to back up what seems to be common sense: music education helps kids learn to read. It also helps their math skills. But more importantly, drum roll, it makes them happy! Now how's that for a well rounded education!

A really interesting experiment that celebrates both the beauty of storytelling but also its value in any number of professional/economic pursuits. And the decision to expand the talent pool by teaching in a blend of Italian and English mirrors the debate going on in France's National Assembly about national identity, language and the job market.

What are the attitudes in your area about core subjects being taught in foreign languages or in classrooms using a blend of English and another language?

This is an interesting approach that's a new vein of microfinance. I like that it combines both academic benchmarks with community involvement for a balanced presentation of a yound person's acheivements. They're just going into beta testing now, so something to keep an eye on.

This is one application of badges that cross generations and circumstances. When workers are offered recognition for the training they receive, there is a desire to know more. A simple certificate might help but a digital badge for its transportability is much better. In a classroom grades of course have their place but what I like is that the natural curiosity is rewarded when a badge is voluntarily pursued. Badges celebrate extra effort, not mediocrity and a just-get-by mentality.

Is competition in education killing our sense of community? Washington Post The truth can be used to tell a lie. The truth is that black parents' frustration with the quality of public schools is at an all time righteous high….

IncitED's insight:

What do you think the agenda is for the reforms that are currently being implemented in public education? And what do you think the consequences will be?

"In the two years of being a principal of a school that has been using iPads on a 1:1 device to student ratio, I have learned a lot about classroom rules that are needed to ensure that the iPads are an effective learning tool rather than a learning distraction.

If managed properly, iPads offer amazing benefits to learning and are almost limitless classroom tools. However, if not properly managed, iPads can also be a detriment to classroom learning and be a major distraction for students.

During my time using the iPads in the classrom, I have found the following 11 rules to be essential for keeping the iPads as a learning tool and not a learning distraction."

3News NZ Poverty is what's crippling public education in the US—not bad teachers Quartz Earlier this month in New Zealand, the minister of education Hekia Parata shared a piece of knowledge that has become common the world over.

IncitED's insight:

"And how about some direct action to reduce the extreme income gap between wealthy and poor? An increase in the minimum wage would provide increased stability to millions of families, which would help children focus on their studies instead of where their next meal will come from. Most schools have cut nurses, librarians and counselors, at the same time we are expanding our investment in measurement systems."

Money can't buy you love but it can buy happiness—as long as it's money for someone else. New research by HBS professor Michael I. Norton and colleagues Elizabeth W. Dunn and Lara B.

IncitED's insight:

The findings of this research - that people everywhere get a greater amount of satisfaction by spending money on others than they do by spending on themselves - is something we hope those fundraising for education will take to heart. Fundraising is pretty tough for most people. It can be too easy to think we are providing clear benefits only to the end users of the educational programs and projects for which we advocate. And that by asking for contributions we're putting people out. But let's put a stop to that train of thought once and for all! A contribution to a worthy education project provides clear benefits for everyone involved with donors receiving an immediate boost to their sense of well-being. So Ed-fundraisers, be extra proud of the work you do. By reaching out to the comminity for support you're providing people with an opportunity for the kind of happiness that they simply can't find most other places. Huzzah!

They crave SpongeBob. I craved Asteroids. But we’re both really looking for the same thing.

IncitED's insight:

Such a modern challenge! I love the comparisons to the technological addictions from 20-30 years ago. I was that same latch key kid with an encycopedic knowledge of after-school TV options with plenty of Atari thrown in to the mix. What sorts of screen-time boundaries, if any, have you set in your own home for your kids? How hard is the system to maintain?

"Shortly after beginning her career as a technology journalist, Watters became frustrated with the lack of coverage of education technology in both technology and education publications. This led her to devote her spare time towards creating the type of blog she would want to read herself. Her insightful and honest posts, as well as her no-nonsense writing style have earned her a spot as one of the most influential education-technology bloggers on the Web today."

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